In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, BUFI, an enthralling Kenyan Somali film featuring actresses Zeitun Salat and Shazmin Ali, opens up about the captivating behind-the-scenes moments during the movie’s production.
The talented duo shared their experiences of enduring long shooting hours and the delicate balancing act between their professional careers and family life.
A humorous anecdote came to light as Zeitun reminisced about a scene where she was heading to a brothel in the movie.
In a quest for perfection, her high heels unexpectedly broke in the middle of the scene.
“I was determined to make the scene flawless, so when my shoe broke, I tried to balance myself without raising any suspicion,” Zeitun told Nairobi News.
It wasn’t until the scene concluded that her broken shoe was noticed, earning her applause from the crew.
Shazmin, on the other hand, candidly shared the challenges of juggling her acting career with motherhood, especially with a young daughter.
The demanding shooting hours tested her resolve, but she expressed gratitude that her commitment to both roles resulted in a successful production.
“Enduring lengthy shooting hours while simultaneously raising a young daughter was an extraordinary challenge for me,” she said while smiling.
“BUFI” unfolds against the backdrop of Eastleigh, where the aspirations of Somali refugees seeking a better life in the United States take center stage.
Their path to this dreamland involves an elaborate and controversial visa scam that delves into the sensitive issues surrounding immigration.
Inspired by real events, “BUFI” unravels a visa scam orchestrated by a mysterious Somali broker based in Eastleigh. This clever broker masterminds a web of fabricated family connections to secure the dreams of countless Somalis seeking to relocate to the USA.
As the US Embassy introduces its green card lottery visa program, the enigmatic broker, Assad, weaves intricate stories of families fleeing conflict, ultimately gaining approval. Kamal, a Somali-American repatriate, plays a pivotal role in identifying suitable candidates for embassy interviews.
The clandestine operation, responsible for numerous pseudo-families gaining access to the USA, now faces imminent exposure. “BUFI” adopts the format of a classic heist film, albeit with a unique twist—instead of robbing a bank, this unconventional family aims to outwit the US Embassy, leading to hilariously unforeseen consequences.
The film’s directors acknowledge the potential for controversy within the Somali-Kenyan community. Nevertheless, they firmly believe that storytelling has the power to challenge established norms and foster courageous dialogues. They draw inspiration from Martin Luther King’s audacious stance that “we have the moral right to resist unjust laws.”
With this conviction, they took on the formidable task of confronting the complexities of immigration policies. “BUFI” emerges as their response, where humor becomes a daring spotlight, illuminating the inherent contradictions of our world and intentionally inviting profound scrutiny and courageous conversations.
